I WOULD like to thank two young women from Evesham, who became my walking companions half way around Hereford Race Course for Race for Life on Sunday, July 10.

I was walking with a new hip replacement on an extremely hot day, and it was their cheerfulness and encouragement that really made it possible to finish the race.

This was even though every bone in my body ached and I thought I wouldn't be able to walk anywhere else, ever again (I was fine the next day). It made all the difference to me. The day was marvellous, this country at its very best. I'm afraid I was so worn out by the time I did finish I completely forget their names - for which I do apologise, but I wanted them both to know how much it meant to me, them walking with me at a slow pace by the end.

I was really proud of being just one person among those terrific people I may have come in among the last to finish, but I just didn't mind with such marvellous companions - so, thank you both so very much.

If anyone knows who these ladies were, please pass on my grateful thanks. Well done both of you.

GLORIA CALVERT,

Leominster.